Antelope Audio has announced that it is shipping its rack-mount DISCRETE 8 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 8 Discrete Mic Preamps and desktop DISCRETE 4 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 4 Discrete Mic Preamps alongside its EDGE and VERGE modelling microphones as accordingly priced bundles with four famous microphone emulations already available (and many more to follow suit). Here's their press release with all the details...

Antelope Audio's rack-mount DISCRETE 8 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 8 Discrete Mic Preamps puts a whole new level of sound quality and performance power into the hands of project studio owners and mobile recordists alike. As implied by name, it comes complete with eight console- grade six-transistor discrete microphone preamps; 121 dB dynamic range conversion; and rock-solid, fourth-generation 64-bit AFC (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology, together with Antelope Audio's acclaimed Real-time FPGA FX, modelling iconic gear from BAE, Grove Hill, Graf Audio, Lang, and more (for use in the EasyPanel software or any DAW directly, thanks to Antelope Audio's AFX2DAW plug-in which will soon allow up to 16 channel strips of those Real-time FPGA FX models). Moreover, being based on Antelope Audio's AFX platform -- a rapidly expanding hardware modelling engine -- enables DISCRETE 8 to add Accusonic microphone and preamp models (maintaining the advantages of digital control and repeatability of gain levels, guitar amps, and transformer and tube effects alongside a huge selection of classic vintage gear to its recording roster.

Similarly, the desktop DISCRETE 4 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 4 Discrete Mic Preamps was developed after Antelope Audio undertook extensive research into illustrious microphone preamp circuitry, applying its famed FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) engine effectively to transform its already big-budget- sounding Accusonic preamps into several classic models. Moreover, this takes place in real-time with an authentic response that truly sets it apart. As is the case with its DISCRETE 8 bigger brother, DISCRETE 4 was designed to work with any microphone, yet really shines when working with Antelope Audio's own EDGE and VERGE modelling microphones -- hardly surprising since they were designed to exclusively match the discrete preamp architecture of both audio interfaces.

Indeed, several microphone emulations are already available for use with the EDGE modelling microphone, itself featuring dual edge-terminated capsules for a smooth/natural sound, reproducing the expressiveness and character of costly classic microphones -- albeit without excessive expense.

BERLIN 47 FT allows owners of Antelope Audio's DISCRETE 8 and DISCRETE 4 to authentically access the sound of one of the most popular microphones in the history of audio recording. This emulation encapsulates the wide dynamic range and meticulous attention to detail of the hardware original. As such, it is perfectly suited to capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and also more aggressive sound sources, such as kick drums.

BERLIN 67 carries with it the true sound of an iconic tube condenser microphone with multiple (cardioid, omni, and figure eight) polar patterns, popularised as a result of its signature sound and adaptability. Following in those flexible footsteps, BERLIN 67 is a powerful, multi-purpose tool that is a must-have for any studio setup.

BERLIN 87 is the go-to microphone when it comes to recording brass sections, guitars, overheads, piano, percussion, strings, and vocals. Having helpfully transported the Seventies-vintage classic from the good old days to truly 21st Century studio setups, there's almost nothing that BERLIN 87 cannot capably handle. Since studio pros cannot live without the German original, isn't it about high time that DISCRETE 8 and DISCRETE 4 owners got in on the recording act as well?

Last but (soon to be) not least, ever wondered what lies behind those silky, smooth vocals on your favourite records? Chances are that it's the same Japanese microphone classic that Antelope Audio modelled its TOKYO 800T after. After all, the vintage tube mic in question is a top choice for many masters of vocal recording. With a super-low noise floor and extreme sensitivity, it's also a perfect fit for recording acoustic guitar sessions.

Soon to become available are several more microphone models for EDGE as well as a notable number of classics for VERGE -- visibly differing as a small-diaphragm condenser (back electret-type) modelling microphone suited to both nuanced accuracy and high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) recording. Also exhibiting excellent performance in its own right, VERGE can capably take on the character and personality of the world's best small- diaphragm condensers and electrets.

Even more is to come, courtesy of those trailblazing microphone emulations eventually working through the EDGE and VERGE modelling microphones when paired up with other members of Antelope Audio's growing family of ThunderboltTM and HDX audio interfaces. Right here, right now, though, the rack-mount DISCRETE 8 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 8 Discrete Mic Preamps and desktop DISCRETE 4 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 4 Discrete Mic Preamps are already shipping and available as a perfect fit for the high-end professional audio equipment manufacturer's microphone modelling technology.

Pricing and Availability:
Antelope Audio's rack-mount DISCRETE 8 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 8 Discrete Mic Preamps is now available as an integral part of various bundles -- namely, the DISCRETE 8 Basic Pack (permitting use of two channel strips with four instances of effects each from the Basic FX library featuring 50-plus Real-time FPGA FX models) for €1,295.00 EUR or DISCRETE 8 Premium Upgrade Pack (permitting use of eight channel strips with four instances of effects each from the Premium FX library featuring 50-plus Real-time FPGA FX models and up to 16 channel strips using the new AFX2DAW plug-in) for €1,995.00 EUR. Alternatively, the DISCRETE 8 Premium Upgrade Pack is also available additionally bundled with one EDGE modelling microphone, six VERGE modelling microphones, and a Mic Emulation library for €2,995.00 EUR.

Antelope Audio's desktop DISCRETE 4 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 4 Discrete Mic Preamps is now available as an integral part of various bundles -- namely, the DISCRETE 4 Basic Pack (permitting use of two channel strips with two instances of effects each from the Basic FX library featuring 50-plus Real- time FPGA FX models) for €899.00 EUR or DISCRETE 4 Premium Upgrade Pack (permitting use of four channel strips with four instances of effects each from the Premium FX library featuring 50-plus Real-time FPGA FX models and up to 16 channel strips using the new AFX2DAW plug-in) for €1,399.00 EUR. Alternatively, the DISCRETE 4 Premium Upgrade Pack is also available additionally bundled with one EDGE modelling microphone and a Mic Emulation library for €1,995.00 EUR.

More information:

• Antelope Audio

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